What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see this photo of me?

Here’s what my friends and family said about this photo when I posted it on Facebook.

I almost didn’t post it…I almost didn’t post it because “it’s my bad side” because of my crooked tooth. I almost didn’t post it because I hadn’t had a haircut since I was pregnant with my baby (who is now 10 months old) so I threw my hair in a quick braid and pieces are sticking out. I’m almost didn’t post it because the high waist of the dress doesn’t really flatter my waistline (and the 38 pounds I lost after having my baby) like I want it to. I almost didn’t post it because my right hand looks weird because I’m holding the handle like I would as if I were riding the bike, not taking a picture with it. I really could go on.

I posted it anyway. I posted it anyway because of the joy that is shown in this photo. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. My family is complete with my two amazing sons. I have the most supportive, handsome, hard working husband. We live in an actual paradise on an Island in the SF Bay. I feel like my little photography business is at the cusp of becoming something big and great. Sure our life isn’t perfect, I could point out the flaws there too, but I won’t.

Why can’t we see ourselves the way everyone else sees us? I had no idea how positively my friends and family were going to respond to this photo. I posted it because I needed a new profile shot. My goal from here on out is to ignore the flaws and see myself more as others do. I hope you as my friend and clients do the same. No more, “that’s my bad side”, no more “my hair looks dumb”, no more “I wish I looked skinnier”. I think you are beautiful and I think I am beautiful.

I wanted to give a big shout out to J and K photography! I had so much fun with you two and you really made me feel so beautiful and relaxed during the shoot! My mission from here on out is to make my clients feel and look beautiful despite whatever flaws they feel they have. Especially my mama clients. The ones just like me, in the trenches with their babies and their crazy toddlers. The ones who don’t have time or energy to get their hair cut for months. The ones whose makeup doesn’t seem to cover up those dark circles as well as it used to…maybe I need better makeup? The ones whose bodies created and grew life and that makes them perfect. If I don’t accomplish anything else with this little business of mine, I hope I can at least make all my beautiful mama friends feel beautiful.

6 Comments

What a great post! I definitely see pure joy in this photo. You’re gorgeous! It is so funny to read about your insecurities because I would never think any of that about you! Makes me feel silly for my own. 🙂